The Difference Between thanatos and zōē
Within the Greek of the Bible, thanatos (θάνατος, G2288) and zōē (ζωή, G2222) are related but distinct concepts. thanatos is most often rendered "deadly", while zōē emphasizes "life". Understanding the difference between these words illuminates the precise shade of meaning the original author intended.
Change Words
greekgreek
θάνατος vs ζωή
thanatos and zōē
θάνατος
(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)
G2288
Exegetical Meaning
(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively) | Etymology: from G2348 (θνήσκω); | KJV: X deadly, (be…) death
Origin
Root form
English Glosses
deadlydeath
Canon Usage
No data
Context Themes
No clusters available
ζωή
life (literally or figuratively)
G2222
Exegetical Meaning
life (literally or figuratively) | Etymology: from G2198 (ζάω); | KJV: life(-time)
Origin
ζάωto live (literally or figuratively)
English Glosses
life
Canon Usage
Gospels●
Pauline Epistles●
General Epistles●
Context Themes
- Eternal Life as Gift
- Christ as the Source of Life